It was my Mum’s 80th Birthday on Saturday and we had a big party planned in a nice venue with a band and food booked. The invitations had all gone out and people had organised hotels and travel. As you can imagine, it didn’t happen!
With the current travel restrictions and social distancing in place, we had to think of doing something different to celebrate. The recent weather made us optimistic that we could do something outside, but then it took a turn! Finally we bit the bullet and organised a small celebration in our next door neighbours garden. We invited a few people (rent-a-mob) to join us for a BBQ and a few drinks.
I’d set up two Zoom calls with family and friends which was hilarious. Some people were more experienced than others using this technology but, after a few awkward moments, they were all sharing stories and laughing just like they were in the room.
When we went next door and my Mum saw the gazebo, decorations and the people there all shouting “Happy Birthday” it made her emotional. It was a real success and I am grateful to everyone for doing their bit and for being thoughtful with gifts, flowers and cards turning up on time.
It would have been easy not to arrange anything and, to be brutal, if it hadn’t been a big Birthday, we probably would have just had a take-away and the rest of the family would have called Mum to wish her a happy birthday.
It will be a big memory in the future along with quite a few experiences this year. 2020 will go down as one of the most memorable years for many reasons, good and bad. I hope you are all managing to create special memories for the right reasons and embracing the situation to connect, or re-connect, with family and friends.
Our neighbours have really embraced the community spirit and I know it has built stronger friendships for the future. Everyone has been supportive and helpful, in dealing with the current situation, which has had a positive impact on my children as well. They seem to be more thoughtful and caring of others, not just worried about themselves and their lives. They have followed rules and been patient about the restrictions.
I think, it has taught them to appreciate the freedom they normally have, and they will share this experience with their children, for years to come.
What positive things have you taken or experienced, so far, in 2020?